The Impact of Using E-Government on Social Capital

Salih OZCAN, Mehmet AYAZ, Eyüp ZENGIN

Abstract

The 21st century is an era in which changes have occurred; the concept of timehas gained more importance; and information has moved towards the forefront.The rate of e-government usage which is considered among the most important indicators of information society process where technological changes outperform industry can be regarded as the evaluation of government from the viewpoint of its citizens. The aim is to increase citizens trust in their government thanks to transparency that is the primary objective of e government applications. Trust is also the only measurable indicator of social capital. Countries ranking top in the confidence index that measures social capital also rank top in the rate of e-government usage, which signifies the contribution of e-government application in creating an environment of trust.Turkey ranks #21 in the world ranking on financial statements thanks tofinancial policies implemented in recent years, whereas it ranks #80 in the rate of e-government usage that indicates social capital in the world. In direct proportion to its rate of e-government usage, Turkey ranks #92 in confidence index.